The Hunger Games Trilogy is one in many popular young adult novel series (including Harry Potter and Twilight) to receive the book to film adaptation treatment. The first film became an instant box office success last year, riding on the impressive popularity of the novels. It also made a star out of Jennifer Lawrence, then an Academy Award nominee who would later win for her performance in David O’Russell’s Silver Lining’s Playbook. When it was announced that the sequel, Catching Fire, was on track to be released, expectations were raised instantly, but after watching the film, I can tell you all expectations were shattered; not only does Catching Fire raise the bar for the series as a whole, but it is one of the best films of the year.
Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson as Katniss and Peeta (courtesy of ryanseacrest.com)
